Marine diatoms

[Pat Thielen]

These are marine diatoms I photographed from a slide I bought from Triarch Inc. Ripon, WI. I used brightfield and a ten-image stack for this one. I'm not sure what the distance was between stacks -- either one or two microns (I think I changed the focus while I was viewing them as opposed to simply moving the fine focus control). As usual, let me know what you think. I really do value everyone's suggestions and tips on how to improve my technique.

[zzffnn]

Very nice, Pat! I like the composition too.

You may want to open up the condenser iris a little more and set up Kohler illumination. Stacking will increase depth, so you don't need to close down too much.

How much does that slide cost, from Triarch, Inc? Thanks.

[rnabholz]

Some neat forms in that mix!

Very good Pat. Thanks for posting it.

[charlie g]

Gorgeous! Incredibly the image sort of flits between photo and drawing images for that blue/purple pennate frustule...odd effect to my eyes...great,Pat.

charlie guevara

[75RR]

Very nice!
Middle diatom looks pretty interesting - would be nice to see it in more detail.

I'm not sure what the distance was between stacks -- either one or two microns (I think I changed the focus while I was viewing them as opposed to simply moving the fine focus control).

I find that it is best when each image has a visibly different focus point, however as very small steps even if visible to the eye are not always apparent in the photograph, it is sometimes better to take slightly larger steps.

[rabitt]

Hi Pat, great photo. I think their slides are well worth the money.

[mrsonchus]

Very nicely done Pat - a lovely image and an impressive slide too!
I couldn't agree more with what 75' advised above re focus-planes when stacking.
Through many hours of trial and error I too find selection of definite focus-levels of not too high a number is far better than the somewhat mechanical - fine focus 2µ - image - fine focus 2µ -image method - not only does much detail disappear, it was never possible to include it all anyway and avoid a rather 'muddy' stack.

You've made a great job of imaging those tiny treasures...

[Pat Thielen]

Very nice, Pat! I like the composition too.

You may want to open up the condenser iris a little more and set up Kohler illumination. Stacking will increase depth, so you don't need to close down too much.

How much does that slide cost, from Triarch, Inc? Thanks.

I agree -- I need to re-calibrate the Kohler. I did have it set up once before but I think it got slightly out of line. I'll do that before my next foray into the microscopic world (a couple others have mentioned this as well). One of these days I'll get over my procrastination. Maybe tomorrow.

If I remember right, the slide wasn't too expensive -- Around $6.00. Their slides range in price depending on the subject, but I would say their prices are quite good and so far the quality has been quite good as well. I'm still looking for slides of pathogens of various ilks; those seem to be a bit more elusive. There is a company in Germany (I forget the name) that sells many different slides at different price points. They are a bit more expensive than the ones I bought from Triarch, but I seriously doubt quality slides would be found on the cheap. And one of these days I'm going to buy some from John -- His look absolutely amazing. At any rate, I would suggest checking out the Triarch website and see if anything might interest you there.

[Pat Thielen]

Hi Pat, great photo. I think their slides are well worth the money.

Thanks for letting us know about them -- I wouldn't have been aware of Triarch if you hadn't posted their info.

[Pat Thielen]

Very nicely done Pat - a lovely image and an impressive slide too!
I couldn't agree more with what 75' advised above re focus-planes when stacking.
Through many hours of trial and error I too find selection of definite focus-levels of not too high a number is far better than the somewhat mechanical - fine focus 2µ - image - fine focus 2µ -image method - not only does much detail disappear, it was never possible to include it all anyway and avoid a rather 'muddy' stack.

You've made a great job of imaging those tiny treasures...

Thanks John -- I really appreciate your very positive comment! My aim is to improve my photography skills. I was very surprised at how different photomicrography is from more "normal" photography. I've been doing photography more or less seriously since '95 or so, including macrophotography. With the microscope I've discovered a rather steep learning curve and I'm still climbing it now. But the more I do the better I should get (in theory) and this forum has been of really great help.

Hopefully this week I'll take another shot at the diatoms and with any luck have an even better image to post.

[Pat Thielen]

Very nice!
Middle diatom looks pretty interesting - would be nice to see it in more detail.

I'm not sure what the distance was between stacks -- either one or two microns (I think I changed the focus while I was viewing them as opposed to simply moving the fine focus control).

I find that it is best when each image has a visibly different focus point, however as very small steps even if visible to the eye are not always apparent in the photograph, it is sometimes better to take slightly larger steps.

Thanks! For this image I didn't focus in arbitrary n-micron units but tried to refocus with something else in focus. It was my assumption that if you focus with distance in mind, rather than focus in mind, you may be stopping and taking a photo with nothing in focus and end up with a rather blurry stacked image. So, I think going forward I'll be doing it in this way. Still, much to learn!

[Pat Thielen]

Gorgeous! Incredibly the image sort of flits between photo and drawing images for that blue/purple pennate frustule...odd effect to my eyes...great,Pat.

charlie guevara

Thanks Charlie!

[zzffnn]

There is a company in Germany (I forget the name) that sells many different slides at different price points. They are a bit more expensive than the ones I bought from Triarch, but I seriously doubt quality slides would be found on the cheap.

I am guessing you meant http://www.lieder.de/en.html#top
If you do buy from them, please post impression and/or photos. Thank you!

[Pat Thielen]

There is a company in Germany (I forget the name) that sells many different slides at different price points. They are a bit more expensive than the ones I bought from Triarch, but I seriously doubt quality slides would be found on the cheap.

I am guessing you meant http://www.lieder.de/en.html#top
If you do buy from them, please post impression and/or photos. Thank you!

That's who I was thinking of -- Thanks!